Questor Insurance News

Holidaymakers now less likely to pay for all-inclusive extras

When holidaymakers opt for an all-inclusive break they are often doing so because they are keen to pay one price for all the elements that make up a complete holiday experience. This can include anything from fully loaded buffets to water sports.

However, the latest Post Office report has revealed that today’s travellers are more likely to adjust their expectations in terms of what the term ‘all-inclusive’ means and are also wisening up about the extras they’re prepared to pay for. Figures from the survey reveal that of the two fifths of travellers taking an all-inclusive holiday in 2013, just 24% paid for branded alcohol in 2013. This is down from the figure of 39% recorded in 2012.

According to a report, those heading on all-inclusive holidays also spent less on wine and soft drinks. While long-haul all-inclusive breaks often include a la carte meals, branded alcohol, water sports and internet access, around 80% all-inclusive options in European resorts exclude branded drinks and meals. Despite these additional costs eating into holidaymakers’ travel budgets UK holidaymakers are still said to have spent an average of £66m to eat a la carte and £41m on bottles of wine. Other extras that all-inclusive travellers are prepared to stump up for include spa treatments. At European resorts this stood at a figure of three in 10, while on long-haul trips this was a higher 35%.

B & B stays could offer a cheaper option -The report also went on to highlight that based on cost of breaks searched on travelsupermarket.com for flights, three-star accommodation, meals and drinks for two, B&B stays may offer a cheaper alternative to all-inclusive holidays. This is because travellers have access to cheaper restaurant and bar prices off resort. B & B stays trumped all inclusive stays in the Spanish Costas, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Portugal.

Andrew Brown, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “With the rise in the value of sterling, now worth around seven per cent more against the euro than a year ago, it is worth checking whether going all-inclusive will save money. “Our recent research has charted price falls in European restaurants and bars this year so it may be cheaper to book a B&B package and eat out each day to get a real flavour of their holiday destination.”

If you are heading off on holiday it is important to organise travel insurance in advance.